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IMS: Integrating CCSS Math into NGSS Science, a New PD Opportunity
Goal: Improve middle school science and math achievement by providing PD and integrating
Common-Core-aligned math into Next-Generation-Science-Standards-aligned science courses
Audiences: Middle school (6-8) teachers of life science (includes teachers of general or integrated
science courses that include life science), science coaches, curriculum leaders
Benefits:
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A new, expert-developed curriculum unit for middle school life science that integrates math
and is specifically designed to align with both NGSS and CCSS; the 2016-17 unit will focus on
ecosystems, NGSS LS2 (there is some overlap in content with 2004 CT Science Framework
standards 4.2 and 6.2)
A professional development program designed and implemented by a strong partnership of
veteran STEM PD providers who are at the center of statewide standards initiatives
Grant funding, including stipends for participating teachers: $100/day for summer days and
$150 for one school year Saturday
Basic Project Plan:
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Project team members from CSC and U of H will develop the ecosystems unit in advance of the
PD, with feedback from district/school liaisons.
During the summer 2016 PD session – scheduled for July 11–14 plus one day in mid-August –
middle school science educators will experience the model unit while learning about 1) how
student understanding of math develops across the middle grades, 2) fundamentals of NGSS
pedagogy and unit design, and 3) how to integrate CCSS content and practices into NGSS units.
Starting during the summer and continuing during the 2016-17 school year – 2 weekdays, one
Saturday, and 3 short evening webinars – participants will, with project team support, adapt
and differentiate the unit for use in their own classrooms. (Note: Some student computer use
will likely be needed to implement the unit, although we are working on alternatives.)
During the 2016-17 school year, each participants will implement an adapted unit and report on
successes, challenges, and outcomes to the rest of the cohort. Participants will also have the
option of opting into a (stipend-supported) video study.
Contacts:
Hank Gruner, CSC VP of Programs, [email protected], 860 520 2118
Nick Balisciano, CSC STEM Program Manager, [email protected], 860 520 2193
Heather Torpey, CSC Programs Administrator, [email protected], 860 520 2164
Dr. Jean McGivney-Burelle, U. of H. Associate Dean & Professor, [email protected], 860 768 5291
Theresa Bruckerhoff, Curriculum Research & Evaluation, [email protected], 860 455 1229